Jetting off for dental care?…

on 18 August 2008

Patients seeking cheaper dental treatment abroad are being urged to consult a checklist before they go.

The General Dental Council (GDC) has issued guidance and advice to dental tourists, with a checklist of questions to ask before travelling abroad for treatment.

The checklist, produced in association with the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), aims to help dental patients make informed decisions about their dental care, wherever they receive treatment.

Duncan Rudkin, chief executive and registrar of the GDC, said: ‘We think it’s important for dental patients, wherever they receive their treatment, to know the questions to ask to ensure they receive the best possible treatment and care, and where they can go if something goes wrong.

‘Qualifications and standards are likely to differ from country to country, so it’s important to collect as much information as you can before committing to anything.’

Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the BDHF, said: ‘The National Dental Survey 2008 found that 16% of people would be willing to travel abroad for dental treatment and the figure was even higher among the 18 to 30 age group – suggesting the trend will continue.

‘By researching their chosen practitioner and asking the right questions, they [the dental patients] can reduce the chances of encountering potentially avoidable problems further down the line.’